How to Buy on eBay
Some ideas just take the world by storm through their sheer ingenuity and appeal. The launch of 'eBay', an auction site was one such idea. Since its launch in 1995, eBay has weathered the dotcom bubble burst and grown into a multibillion dollar internet shopping and auction giant. Today many other eBay alternatives have cropped up but it still remains the best in the business.
People can buy and sell any tangible or intangible item on eBay, as long it does not violate the terms and conditions set by the site. All sorts of goods can be bought on eBay, ranging from books, home appliances, consumer electronics goods, collectibles, toys, clothes, cosmetics to even pieces of art. The list of things to sell on eBay to make money is endless. It is the biggest online bazaar that you can visit from the comfort of your home. This site offers an opportunity to sell your goods in the global market and get a reasonable price for it.
How to Buy Smartly On eBay?
Before you begin to do anything, just visit the eBay website and look around all the categories of goods that you can buy or sell. Familiarize yourself with how the site works. Once you think you are ready to start purchasing, here is what you will need to do.
Register With eBay
First and foremost thing to do is register with eBay if you want to buy anything at all. Click on the 'register' link, right at the top left side of the eBay page. You will have to provide an email id, your contact number, residential address and create a login name, as well as password. After your email account is verified, your account will be set up. With these formalities completed, you can begin using your eBay account immediately.
Finding Items
You can directly search for any item you are looking for through the search box provided on eBay. Once you enter an item and search, the eBay database is scanned and the available items are listed page wise for you. They can be further sorted according to brands and price range. Alternatively, you could visit the categories section and browse through the listed items.
Check Out Item Details
If you have narrowed down on an item, check out the details related to it in the description provided. You can directly ask any questions about the item through the 'ask a question' option provided. Check out the seller's reputation and previous transaction record as part of credibility check. Also note what is the payment option specified by the seller. Compare product price with selling prices mentioned in other online market places or manufacturer sites. Scrutinizing the product details and checking out the seller's credibility is the most important part, while buying stuff on eBay.
Check Out Buying Options
Some items on eBay are sold through auction and some are 'buy now' options, whereby you directly buy the item. The online eBay auction business goes exactly like a real life auction. There is a fixed time allocated for bidding. The one who bids highest, wins the item and is obligated to buy the item after bidding time is over. 'Buy Now' option is straightforward. You click on the buy on option and add it to your online shopping cart. That brings us to payment details.
Pay Up
Once you have clicked on a 'Buy Now' link or won the auctioned item, you have to pay up through any of the options provided by the seller, within 3 days after the sale is made. You can pay through PayPal, MoneyBookers, ProPay, Praymate or your credit card. Once the transaction is completed, expect the item to be shipped to you within a few days. In case of any problems, contact the customer service center of eBay.
For more detailed information on eBay purchasing, visit the FAQ section provided by the site, which will have answers to most of your queries. Make sure that you go through the terms and conditions and understand the whole buying, selling and auctioning process, before you proceed. Bargain and bid for auctions or buy stuff directly, without setting a foot out of your house!
